Bed Lift Mechanism Explained: How Ottoman Bed Gas Struts Work (UK 2026 Guide)

What Is a Bed Lift Mechanism?

A bed lift mechanism is the hinge-and-strut system that lets an ottoman bed base lift up on a pivot, turning the space underneath into hidden storage. The part doing the actual lifting is a pair of gas struts (also called gas springs) — sealed cylinders filled with pressurised nitrogen gas that push the base open smoothly and hold it in place once it's up.

Without working gas struts, an ottoman bed base is just dead weight on a hinge — which is why a failing bed lift mechanism is one of the most common ottoman bed complaints in the UK.

How Do Gas Struts Work on a Bed?

Each strut is a cylinder with a piston rod inside. Compressed nitrogen gas pushes the rod outward, generating a constant extension force measured in Newtons (N) — this is the strut's N rating. Two struts working together share the load of lifting the mattress, base and anything stored inside, so the rating needs to match the bed's size and weight.

If you're not sure what N rating your bed needs, our Gas Strut Force Guide walks through the calculation step by step.

Signs Your Bed Lift Mechanism Is Failing

Ottoman bed gas struts wear out gradually, so the symptoms tend to creep up rather than happen overnight. Common warning signs include:

• The base drops or sinks instead of staying open — the most common failure, caused by gas pressure loss over time.
• It's suddenly much heavier to lift than it used to be.
• One side lifts before the other, putting uneven strain on the hinges and frame.
• Hissing or a slow leak when the base is opened — a sign the seal has gone.
• Visible oil residue around the strut body.

None of this means the bed itself is broken — in almost every case it's just the struts that need replacing, and it's a straightforward DIY job with the right parts.

Are Ottoman Beds Safe Once the Struts Wear Out?

A worn bed lift mechanism isn't unsafe on its own, but a base that suddenly drops can trap fingers or damage the frame's hinge brackets over time, so it's worth replacing struts as soon as you notice them weakening rather than waiting for full failure.

Choosing the Right Replacement Gas Struts

Getting a bed lift mechanism repair right comes down to three measurements and one force rating:

• Extended length — the strut's full length, end to end.
• Ball stud size — almost all UK ottoman beds use 10mm balls.
• Eye-to-eye or ball-to-ball fitting type — check how your current struts mount.
• N rating (force) — usually 750N or 1200N for standard double/king ottoman bases; heavier or larger beds may need a higher rating.

We stock both complete hinge + strut kits for a full mechanism replacement and struts-only options for when your hinges and brackets are still in good condition — this is usually the cheaper, faster fix if only the gas struts have failed. Browse the full range, including 750N and 1200N options, in our Ottoman Bed Gas Struts collection.

FAQ

What is an ottoman bed?

An ottoman bed is a bed with a base that lifts on a gas-strut-assisted hinge, revealing a large storage compartment underneath — popular in the UK for maximising space in smaller bedrooms.

Are ottoman beds dangerous?

Not when the gas struts are in good condition. Most safety concerns come from worn-out or incorrectly rated struts rather than the ottoman design itself — keeping the lift mechanism properly maintained resolves this.

How do I dismantle an ottoman bed to replace the struts?

With the base fully open and supported, the struts unclip from their ball studs (or unbolt, on eye-fitting kits) at both ends. Full fitting instructions are included with every SpringFixUk kit.

Same-Day Dispatch on All Bed Lift Mechanism Parts

Orders placed Monday to Sunday before 16:00 are dispatched the same day via Royal Mail or Evri. Every strut we sell is UK-stocked and ready to ship.